Sleaze sells. Makers of reality shows such as Bigg Boss and Rakhi Ka Insaaf know this well. So do those who run the so-called news channels which keep decrying such shows only because that gives them an excuse to play the visuals from these shows, mount protracted discussions and draw viewers to their own channels. It is manifestly clear that nobody in the media has been interested in self-regulation in this respect. By clamping down on the news channels, which can no longer use footage from these shows, and by laying down clear guidelines for the two shows, which will have to be labelled "adult" shows and aired only after 11 pm and before 5 am, the information and broadcasting ministry has done just the right thing. The government needs to be complemented simply because this is a rare case where it has managed the tough balancing act perfectly. 

The ministry was forced to step in following complaints from the National Commission for Women, social activists and general viewers. Colors and NDTV Imagine, the channels which air Bigg Boss and Rakhi Ka Insaaf respectively, have had enough time to moderate their content. However, they were clearly not interested in doing so and since no mature society should deny its citizens the right to watch such sleaze, the ministry has only ensured that the channels and the viewers act as responsible suppliers and consumers. Along with these shows, the ministry has also banned SS Music Channel for a week for showing nudity.

The so-called news channels, which have been riding piggyback on such shows, will have to grapple with a more difficult introspection. As reality finally dawns on them, how about focusing on news for a change?